The Electro-Voice TL806 low frequency loudspeaker system is a vented-box (bass-reflex) design with gross internal volume of 1.3 cu. ft. (36.8119005696 Liters) The system has been designed for use with the Electro-Voice EVM12L 12 inch loudspeaker. The usable frequency range of the TL806 is roughly 60 to 1600 Hz. The efficiency of the TL806 is 6% (half-space load, 100 to 800 Hz, 8 ohm nominal impedance) and as a result will generate outputs of 6 acoustic watts at the rated input of 100 watts.

The design provides a selection of two different low frequency response curves by the optional use of a removable port cover. In the normal configuration (port cover off) the response is flat down to the lowest possible frequency. In the step-down configuration (port cover on) the response exhibits a sloping gradual low frequency rolloff but with about a one-half octave extension of low end response. The step down mode of operation is intended to be used with simple before-the-power-amp equalization to flatten the response (only 6 dB maximum boost required, equalizer details available on request).

“OX is pre-approved by the Landlord Associations of the Americas, EU and Japan.
And all of your neighbors.
Especially that lady in 2B.”

Ox, Mesa Boogie, Thiele 806

“The OX app for Mac and iPad displays your selected speaker cabinet and allows you to choose from a large selection of microphones, adjust their positions, alter the damping of the room, and add studio-quality compression, delay, EQ, and reverb to create your own custom Rigs.”

OX is a premium reactive load box and guitar recording system, giving you perfectly studio-miked amp sounds from your favorite tube amp. OX lets you play and record your amp in its sweet spots — from huge clean tones and edge-of-breakup to fully cranked — at any volume level, and with mic, room, and speaker cabinet emulations at the turn of a knob. Featuring Universal Audio’s breakthrough Dynamic Speaker Modeling, OX is the first system to accurately emulate speaker drive, breakup, and cone cry — making it the world’s finest speaker attenuator and guitar amp recording solution.

Since the rebirth of its predecessor, the Mesa Boogie Express, the Express Plus has acted as a diamond in the rough. I shouldn’t say it was love at first sight, given the front panel’s 15 knobs, 5-band EQ, and a host of intimidating switches, but nonetheless, I knew the Plus was an immense wiring improvement on the former clean channel and had a series effects loop which were my two greatest concerns.

Headroom was the name of the game as I was searching to find the right amp. The 5:50 Plus did more than just provide headroom, the clean voicing on channel one was glassy and pristine coupled by richness and depth. The Dyna-Watt patent opens up the clean’s potential by accessing 5,25, or 50 watt power. When the gain and master volume is cranked at 5w, a sparkly breakup occurs. Conversely, at 50w, breaking up is about as taboo as a long term relationship. The crunch voicing on channel one allows for great mid-gain edgy sounds comparable to a Wampler Triple-Wreck.

The blues voicing on channel two is a warmer version of clean voicing and has an increased amount of breakup at higher gain. The burn voicing can compete against any of the classic gain monsters on the Mesa line and beyond. This is especially true when cutting the mids on the 5-band EQ.

This amplifier had me at the clean channel. Everything else was just icing on the cake (and there’s a lot of icing). At 38lbs (5:25 at 27lbs), the 5:50 head is incredibly strong and durable. The all-tube spring reverb and equalization are individually programmed for each channel. The 5-band EQ can be modified and programmed through use of sliders or a preset rotary dial that provides a traditional Mesa V-shaped mid cut. It is important to note that the 5:50 model uses 6l6s while the 5:25 model uses EL84s for those with specific preferences. To top it all off, channel switching, EQ, reverb, and solo boost can be wired to a loop controller for enhanced programming during live sessions. In my opinion, the Express Plus was a worthwhile investment for how much it provides.

Pros
Exceptional tone for musicians on a budget
Outstanding versatility and features
Strong build and quality materials

Cons
Weight may be an issue. Try the 5:25
Looks will cost you. An upgrade in colored grills and tolex will boost the Benjamins.

Should You Buy One?
I believe this amp surpasses the expectations that many guitarist are seeking after and it’s a step down in cost from many of the popular boutiques on stages today. Go for it.

With the JHS Pedals’ Bonsai you can get the classic sounds of nine Tubescreamers in one pedal. Let the Bonsai help you find your overdrive zen.

Opinions will vary about the lbanez Tube Screamer, but no one can deny the weight of its influence. Those that do love this iconic circuit often have an unquenchable enthusiasm for all of its many-splendored variations and modifications. It is for these players that the JHS Bonsai was created. The Bonsai lets one summon nine distinct and noteworthy versions of green dirt with nothing more than a twist of its rotary control. Being able to handily compare all of these circuits back-to-back is endless fun, even if your interest in TS tones is only marginal, so real Screamer fanatics wil find the Bonsai both irresistible and, in use, immeasurably satisfying.